Two Tuscarawas County men who saved a Bolivar-area woman trapped inside a burning car received special commendations this week.

During a ceremony at the Sheriff’s Department, Sheriff Walt Wilson presented a Lifesaving Award to Deputy John “Ryan” Hamilton and a Civilian Citation to Chris McCoury, a Zoar volunteer firefighter.

Both men were honored for their efforts in freeing Lacy M. Jones, 27, from her overturned car the night of Sept. 18.

Hamilton, of Sandyville, was driving to the Tuscarawas County Fairgrounds in Dover that night to work a special detail when he saw Jones’ car overturned in a driveway off Dover-Zoar Road just north of Zoar.

Hamilton said a passerby stopped to help, but together they couldn’t get the front passenger door open more than about a foot.

In a matter of minutes, McCoury, who lives nearby, arrived to assist. His wife, Vanessa, had heard the crash and awakened him.

As the flames spread from the engine compartment into the passenger compartment, the three men pried open a door about a foot and a half and pulled Jones to safety. The third man left quickly after the rescue without identifying himself.

Wilson said he was honored to issue the special commendations to Hamilton and McCoury, as department personnel, family and friends gathered for the afternoon ceremony.

“Deputy Hamilton and Firefighter McCoury deserve to be recognized for their efforts,” Wilson said. “Their quick actions saved Ms. Jones. It is that simple.”

Zoar Fire Chief Charlie Meiser said he was proud to see that one of his department’s firefighters jumped into action that night. He said both men honored “are exceptional.”

McCoury, 29, said it was a great honor to receive the award. He has been a firefighter since May 15.

A deputy for four years, Hamilton, 31, said the award was “pretty neat,” and humbling, and that he really wasn’t expecting one.

Hamilton clarified a statement in a Times-Reporter report of the incident that Jones owes her life to her rescuers.

“I didn’t do anything that every other one of the deputies wouldn’t have done ... she doesn’t owe me anything,” Hamilton said. “I’m just glad it turned out the way it did.”